Finding My Voice

“Finding your voice is your sacred obligation,” said the university president at the convocation service for the class of incoming freshmen.

I wanted to jump up out of my chair, clap my hands, and shout, “Glory, hallelujah, and amen!” Instead, I remained in my seat, tears streaming from my eyes as I whispered, “Thank you, Lord Jesus.”

From the days when I was filling out adoption paperwork, even before I met them and brought them home, my heart’s desire for my children was that they see God’s unique calling in their lives and pursue it. Throughout their childhoods, I prayed they would see their need for Jesus, respond in faith, and recognize they were created in His image for the good of the world and for His glory. We talked about these ideas, during our years of homeschooling. We revisited them as the high school years drew to a close and college applications and essays were being completed. Often my attempts to engage these thoughts were met with icy stares and stony silences. But now I know my son is at a place where he will continue to be challenged to pursue God’s call in his life.

Funny thing about raising kids, though. It’s hard to get them to latch onto ideas if they don’t see their parents and other influential adults putting them into practice.

Which I guess means I, too, need to be about the business of finding my voice. I have been trying, here in my little corner of internet world, to write about life and faith and how it all connects to the one big story of Jesus and redemption. I am willing to pursue that call, though my sentences are wordy and my verbs often passive. In that effort, I am grateful to have met many others who are using their voices for the good of the world and for God’s glory. So many of them challenge me to work harder, refine my skills, and write better.

This September, editors and members of The High Calling will be gathering for a writer’s retreat at Laity Lodge in Texas and are offering to pick up travel and registration expenses for one member of the community. These are people who understand the importance of daily work in the building of Christ's kingdom.  I would desperately love to be the person chosen.

Many other gifted friends like Sheila, Sandra, Lyla, and emily, are also hoping to snag that one lone spot. So even if I don’t win I figure I still win, because I’ll get to read more of their beautiful words written even more beautifully.

Go read their words. Then be about the business of finding your voice.